...Stem Cell Research and Legislation | Where do we stand? | The Legal EnvironmentMelanie MorrisFebruary 14, 2010 | The National Institutes of Health or NIH defines stem cells as being “distinguished from other cell types by two important characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division, sometimes after long periods of inactivity. Second, under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions” (2009, p. NIH). These cells were first isolated in 1963 by Ernest McCulloch and James Till; they did all of their testing and research on mice. Thirty-five years later James Thomson would isolate the first human embryonic stem cell. (Parks, 2009) These discoveries have lead to some of the most heated and controversial issues ever talked about. Unfortunately, the debate over stem cell research was wrapped up with the debate over cloning and the debate over abortion. It was intertwined with cloning because the researchers were trying to use the cells to grow new tissue for people who had serious disability or illness. The ultimate goal was to grow a kidney for the person with renal disease or to grow a heart for the person with heart failure. Then, it was wrapped up with the abortion issue because the scientists were using embryonic stem cells and...
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...Reagan, is that “ to those who cite the first amendment for the reason for excluding god from more and more of our institutions and everyday life, may I just say; The first amendment of the constitution was not meant to protect people of this country from religious values; it was written to protect religious values from government tyranny.” The liberal perspective more closely mirrors the perspective of Thomas Jefferson who was quoted in his 1802 letter which referenced that there should be a wall between religion and government. Those subscribing to the liberal view point would like no reference or role of religion in all of government. The Christian Coalition has been a force in conservative politics, the main advocators for a Christian America. Pat Roberston has been...
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...Stem Cell Research Legislation Stem Cell Research Legislation In the United States, people have many rights and freedoms that are respected by the Federal Government. As stated in Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau: “There will never be a truly free and enlightened state until the state comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power” (225). In the goal to make America a truly free and enlightened state, laws have been enacted to preserve individual rights. With the furthering of medical science, the issue of individual rights vs. government regulation has been raised many times, and the right of the individual has always been held in the highest regard. This is why our government should both legalize and fund embryonic stem cell research. Stem cell laws in the United States have had a complicated legal history. When you look at the government’s power over our individual bodies, one may ask why the government has any power at all. If the majority of the public were to decide what each individual should do in every aspect of their life, our democratic system would be nullified. Our laws are written to recognize individuals’ capability to make their own decisions. We have the right to donate our organs, and that it is our choice. We have the right to donate our entire bodies to science postmortem, and that is our choice. Couples have the right to donate their eggs and sperm for in-vitro fertilization of another couple, and that is their choice...
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...Stem Cell Research How does a complex organism such as person, develop from a stem cell? Undifferentiated cells which can divide themselves and grow for a long time without becoming any particular type of cell are defined as stem cells. Stem cells are important for life because they can transform themselves into any type of cell. The stem has an cell amazing ability to transform itself have allowed scientist to help replace cells that have been lost or damaged due to injury or trauma. Stem cell research will offer room for advancement in medicine because of the cells remarkable ability to change itself and replace damaged neural cell in the brain and spinal cord. In this paper I am addressing issues on the reasons why I am supporting stem cell research. Stem cell research is a breakthrough in science. It has the potential to cure some of the world’s most incurable diseases. I believe that stem cell research should be used just for medical reasons. Research! America.org supports the funding for stem cell research in both adult and embryonic cell lines. This organization has been diligently working to protect stem cell research at the state and federal levels by partnering up with the Stem Cell Action Coalition and the Coalition for Advancing Medical Research. (Research! America ). Former President George W. Bush permitted federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, providing that a limited number of the damage cells were to be replaced by stem cells. Bush said the...
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...The use of stem cells from aborted babies for any medical use has been a controversial topic in modern days. Typically stem cells are taken from adult reproductive cells and aborted or stillborn babies, but this type of research only becomes unethical when the living embryo is killed for the specific use of these stem cells. Aborted babies, on the other hand, are not living by the time a scientist or researcher has the ability to use these stem cells, so this would not be considered unethical because they are no longer living. The use of stem cells from aborted babies is an ethical way that should be allowed to save other people’s lives from what otherwise is a no longer living person whose body has no need for these stem cells. Although...
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...Sunday, March 8th, 2009 Embryonic stem cells; are they the solution to many diseases plaguing the human race, or are they a vehicle for more pain and suffering? Embryonic stem cells are unspecialized cells derived from the inner cell mass of human embryos that are able to self-renew without differentiating for extended periods of time. This means that they do not become a certain type of cell, that they are totipotent, or capable of giving rise to any of the cell types of the human body. Embryonic stem cells hold the potential to cure diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, cancer, and even spinal cord injuries, along with hundreds of other rare immune system and genetic disorders. There are many moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the research and utilization of embryonic stem cells and stem cell therapy, which has made it a difficult decision on whether or not to sign an executive order to lift the ban of federal funding for additional stem cell research, put in place by former president George W. Bush in 2001. With the signing of this order, it will bring the much needed change that scientists and researchers, doctors and innovators, patients and loved ones alike have been waiting for. We should zealously support any scientist who pursues this type of research, as there are many promising results in this field. “At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research remains unknown, and it should not be overstated, but...
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...This article focuses on the current effort of STEM programs being implement to improve students’ education while degrading and ostracizing subjects or major’s focused on humanities. The main argument Freeda Zakaria makes is that STEM programs only concentrate on specific topics but to innovate and progress all forms of knowledge need to be valued. The article referenced a study that was done in the 19th century showing the economic growth experienced while the education system in America was multi-focused, in comparison to other European countries with single focused education in the same time period. Zakaria argue’s that placing too much of an emphasis on technological knowledge inhibits individual and societal advancements. I believe this piece was written as an informative piece from an outside perspective on...
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...CLAIM: President Bush’s veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act in July of 2006 was a proportional reaction to the expanding influence of conservative political ideology and religious fundamentalism throughout America. VARIABLES: My independent variables are conservative political ideology and religious fundamentalism. My dependant variable is President Bush’s 2006 veto of the Stem Cell Enhancement Act, also known as the H.R. 810 Bill. EXPECTATIONS: I expect to find overwhelming and convincing evidence to corroborate my assertion that the expanding influence of conservative political ideology and religious fundamentalism in America are the two most profound independent variables to affect President Bush’s 2006 veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. I also expect to obtain convincing evidence that political conservatism and religiosity have an interactive effect on the public attitude towards stem cell research which directly influences federal policy concerning this controversial issue. It is my contention that the preponderance of evidence will confirm my theory that as the level of conservatism and religious zeal rises; the public support and enthusiasm for stem cell research will wane proportionally, resulting in federal policies that continue to be restrictive and obtuse. EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS THE CLAIM: With the advent of technology and subsequent advances in human stem cell research, the scientific and medical communities were inspired...
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...issues facing America today. Stem cell research is one of the many pressing issues that will play a big part in the election and one that the Bush administration had to tackle when George W. Bush first took office. Stem cell research is definitely an issue that American’s shouldn’t take lightly because it has the potential to save millions of lives and keep America’s reputation as the “medical pioneers.” Like all issues though, unfortunately stem cell research has pro’s and con’s and depending on how firm your religious beliefs are planted and what your religious beliefs are, it may effect which side you take. Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s; these are just a few human diseases and disorders that may have affected you or someone you know. If you knew that scientists were on the brink of curing diseases such as these, would you support them? The real question remains; would you continue your support knowing that a person was saved at the sacrifice of another being that had no voice? Let’s first explore and understand the facts. What exactly are stem cells? Our bodies contain hundreds of different types of cells that carry out functions for different organs in our bodies such as our blood, heart and brain. There are 220 different types of cells to be exact and researchers have discovered a way to extract these cells from human embryos and grow the cells in a laboratory. These researchers have taken growth to the next level by coaxing these stem cells to...
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...Raymond Swayze Comp II In 2004, 7,266 blood stem cell donations and 1,126 cord blood units were provided in desperate need. More than 50,000 patients worldwide have received blood stem cells from an unrelated donor(WMDA). Different types of stem cells have the ability to heal many types of damaged human tissue. There’s only one type of stem cell that can almost guarantee it can fix any kind of tissue. This is known at the embryonic stem cell. The only way to obtain these cells is by taking them from the embryo, which will ultimately kill the embryo. To some people this is considered a form of abortion. This is such a hot topic because people have to choose to either save a current life, or kill a future life it. Of course there are two sides to every argument. One side is for it and one side is dead set against. Is the price of stem cells worth saving a life? In every opinion you form you must first realize how stem cell research works. The definition of a stem cell is an undifferentiated cell. This means the cell has no true function. Stem cells are placed along specialized cells. Specialized cells include, but not limited to the following, skin cells, muscle cells, or any other cell that plays a specific role in the human body. In the Multiple Scleroses disease the myelin protecting the neuron is missing. When myelin is missing there is constant pain. In a study in 1998 at the University of Wisconsin researchers gathered a group of mice that were genetically deficient...
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...2004. (B.Theseis) Stem cell research can benefit those who have been burned in a fire accident or were born with one or more genetic defects. (C.Organizing Statement) The reasons why stem cell research are good and can be shown by the description of stem cells, their benefits, and the history and possible future of stem cells. (Topic #1)Knowing the description of stem cells is very important because then you are able to know where they come from and what they are. (Evidence) Cells are a basic unit for life and also have specific functions in the human body. (Commentary) Every human body has nerve cells, brain cells, and skin cells just for that one job. (Evidence)Stem cells are capable of renewing themselves by dividing and are unspecialized. Meaning that they do not have a specific job. (Commentary) Since stem cells are unspecialized, they are capable of taking the job of another cell. (Closing Sentence) Some of you are thinking who care about stem cells, but stem cells are important. They can help disease research and management, and save other people’s lives. (Topic #2) Knowing the description of stem cells is good, but knowing their benefits tells you why they are important. (Evidence) Stem cell offer the help to those who are on a transplant waiting list. (Commentary) Most people who are on a transplant waiting list die before they are able to get a transplant. Stem cells can reduce the quality of what a patient looks like and their mortality. (Evidence) Stem cells can also...
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...Stem Cell Research Paper Stem Cell Research Paper Human Biology The human body is capable of many miraculous feats. Every hour, every minute, every second, millions of cells are working to maintain homeostasis within the body. This paper is going to focus on one type of cell in particular, the stem cell. The properties of this little cell are amazing. These unique cells self-regenerate through cell division, and in addition to being unspecialized, have the ability to develop into many different specialized cells of the body. Numerous studies have shown the potential of stem cells to cure cancers, as well as slow or reverse the damages of some neurological disorders, yet stem cell researchers have met with both public and legal resistance during their attempts to show the incredible usefulness of these cells. Therefore, the question is, with stem cell research showing the potential to reverse the damage from or slow the progression of neurological disorders, and possible cures for cancer and other diseases and disorders are the possible benefits too much to ignore? The ability to self-regenerate is one the things that makes the stem cell such an appealing area to study. Most cells and organs in the body do not have the ability to self-regenerate, nor self-repair but stem cells can do both. Stem cells themselves are unspecialized, in that they have so special function (Stem Cell Basics, 2009). Part of the beauty of the stem cell is that through cellular...
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...A Civil War on Ethics For many years scientists all over the world have been fighting an ethical battle concerning morality of stem cell research. There are various opinions surrounding stem cell research and a vast amount of evidence supporting each side of this controversy. Patrick L. Taylor of children’s hospital Boston describes human embryonic stem cells as the primary cells from which cells in the body ultimately differentiate and develop. Taylor believes that advancements in stem cell research are leading to a medical revolution. Taylor lists a few things it can help with, such as insights into how organs and tissues develop, detailed knowledge of the factors that affect growth and how they interact, and dramatic new research and clinical applications (Taylor). Many people don’t believe that stem cell research is ethical. This opinion is driven mostly because of the destruction of embryos; Society sees this as murder in many cases. President Bush believes the human embryo is understood and valued in terms of its potential to become a gumanbeing. In his words, “Like a snow flake, each of these embryos is unique, with the unique genetic potential of an individual human being”. By comparison, federal policy in the United States is more circumspect insofar as there is no particular attention to the potential of the developing human embryo. If the human embryo was deserving of legal protection on the basis of potentiality, then logically the federal government would have...
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...In modern day America, it is fairly uncommon for the general public to become interested in political discourses regarding scientific advancements. For example, in the summer of 2012 NASA landed the largest exploratory rover on the surface of Mars. Much of the general public ignored this monumental achievement and went back to watching Jersey Shore. However, this is not always the norm. There are some scientific debates that crossover into popular discourse. Stem Cell research is one of the most highly debated issues. According to the online textbook, a stem cell can be defined as “A cell that can specialize into a wide variety of cells if the body needs to replace a damaged or dead cell. Since these cells can develop into many other types of tissues they can be used to repair damaged tissues in adults. (Troyan, 2)” It is quite obvious to see the potential benefits that may be gained from stem cell research. The idea that scientists might be able to someday grow fully functioning organs out a couple of stem cells is extremely exciting. It can also be argued that many positives can be extrapolated out of this new field of scientific research. According to Pathologist Michael Shelanski, stem cells hold the most promise in curing the following; “Cancer, by regenerating blood cells, Parkinson's disease, to replace the damaged nerve cells, and heart disease, to replace the damaged heart tissue.” Also found in the article is the fact that stem cell research already has a foundation...
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...The wage gap The gender wage gap is a frequently debated issue in modern day America. There are many different opinions about why women earn less than men annually, and even arguments that say when a woman stands next to a man and does the same job for the same amount of hours, she earns less. The following paragraphs will include reasons about why women make less annually. The gender earnings gap is the average income of every man and woman who works full-time in America. The main standpoint in this argument is that for every dollar a man earns, a woman only makes seventy-eight cents, but, this simply isn’t proven. The main issue with the previous statement is that on average an employed man does 42-52 minutes more of work than an employed...
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